The News-Press Athlete of the Week sponsored by Elevate Home Services winner for Sept. 9-13 was Riverdale High volleyball player Olivia Znotens. The junior captured 45% of the votes. To be selected for the poll, Znotens had 18 kills, 2 aces, and 22 digs for the Raiders in a 3-1 win against North Fort Myers.
Question: How did you start playing volleyball?
Znotens: I was about 6 years old and my mom took me to a YMCA camp, and I kind of just stuck with it. I fell in love with it, and it was like the first sport I tried, and I didn’t want to try anything else.
What’s been one of your most memorable moments playing volleyball?
Znotens: I would say during my 14s year for club, that was when we qualified for USAV Nationals, and we won Orlando Nationals, so that was a big deal for us. And I would say last year for high school season when I broke the school record for in-season kills.
Previously: The News-Press Athlete of the Week winner for Sept. 3-7, Mariner bowler Trey Lemus
What are your goals this season for your team and individually?